What Kansas football sees in Middle Tennessee, plus a score prediction

Kansas hosts Middle Tennessee on Saturday at 11 a.m. (CT) in Lawrence as the Jayhawks try to bounce back after dropping back-to-back games to Missouri and Arizona State. Kansas enters 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Big 12 play, while Middle Tennessee is 2-2 and 0-1 in Conference USA. Kansas coach Lance Leipold said Middle Tennessee has been competitive early, praising coach Derek Mason and highlighting quarterback redshirt sophomore Roman Gagliano and weapons like wide receiver Cam’ron Lacy and running back Antonio Martin Jr. Defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald focused on Lacy’s quickness, Martin’s physical running style, and the importance of the trenches. Associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki said he expects a disruptive Middle Tennessee front and will watch Kansas’s defensive line and blocking tight ends. Kansas tackle Eamon Smalls emphasized pad level and aggression, and Isaiah Marshall pointed to the Blue Raiders’ defensive line and secondary.